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13:35, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742.

Posted by RefereeFor group 0
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 220 posts
Mon 26 Dec 2011
at 06:51
  • msg #2

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

"Damn," Jim muttered, as he thought of the Suzain and her crew.  Followed by, "Damn it," as his thoughts turned to his anticipated tour of with Casey and it's indeterminate delay.

He nods solemnly at the Director's request, anticipating the reaction of the rest, sobering quickly as he makes to follow Xiu.
Referee
GM, 416 posts
Tue 27 Dec 2011
at 06:17
  • msg #3

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #2):

The Directors Office

Merv Laraque follows you all to the Director’s office.

In her office, there are no offers of scotch this time, no self-depreciating chit-chat.  The Director is all business.  “I surmise you heard the pertinent parts of the discussion with the Navy and the Pathfinders over there,” she says, gesturing towards station ops, “so I won’t repeat them.  Merv, please bring our guests up to speed.”

Laraque answers, “Yes maam.”  He steps forward and punches a few keystrokes on his hand comp.  “About an hour and a half ago, the Navy received a distress signal from outsystem.  The signal strength was extremely weak.  This is a reconstructed copy of the transmission.”


A female voice says in a flat tone, “Mayday Mayday Mayday.  All stations this is Pathfinder ship Suzain, all stations this is Suzain.  Three souls onboard.  Ship attacked system zero eight two five.  Powerplant fuel exhausted.  Launch fuel exhausted.  Have rigged air raft fuel cells to power this transmission.  Don’t know if anything will get through.  I am in suit, have about four days life support left.  Others have a few days more.  Telemetry data follows.  Please help.  Mayday Mayday Mayday.”

“The transmission repeated itself on a loop.  Unfortunately, the telemetry data was garbage.  Bits were picked up across about forty minutes, until the transmission ceased.  It has not resumed.  The Navy used  the intercepts to build this.”  Laraque activates a holographic projection from the Director’s desk.  It shows a geometric shape that looks like a cross between a cone and a wedge, or maybe like a long cone that someone laid on its side and mostly flattened.  The apex is at the 100d limit and the cone extends generally insystem, but misses the Boxes by a wide margin.

“This represents the cone of possible courses of Suzain.  We know from the bearing rate that she has at least a fair amount of speed.  The farther from the station, the faster Suzain would have to be travelling.”  He touches a button and two half-spheres, one larger and one smaller, pierce the flattened cone.  “These are the possible intercepts that a ship moving at 5G and one moving at 3G could reach.  Anything travelling at less than 3G constant acceleration has no chance of consummating an intercept.”

The spheres change into cylinders piercing the cone, one shorter and slightly more perpendicular, the other longer and more along the cone’s axis.  “According to the Navy, these are the plots with the greatest chance of finding Suzain, while still close enough to the target’s vector to allow for an intercept.  A Navy SDB, Reims is already headed towards this one.  Your course is this one.  The cone of possibilities, where you would intersect it would be about five hundred thousand kilometers across.  You’ll have one chance as you pass through the cone, assuming she’s actually in this region when you are, to detect Suzain, match vectors, board, rescue any survivors, and if possible, salvage the ship."  Laraque makes a helpless gesture, "The chances of Suzain actually being in this part of the cone when you pass through are … maybe thirty percent."

He coughs and glances at the Director before continuing, “The trip out will take just under five days.  The trip back about two weeks, or more, depending on time on Suzain."

Xiu leans forwards and places her arms on her desk.  “Ladies and Gentlemen, I don't have to tell you about the value of trying to rescue the three people still alive over there.  Beyond that, though, we need to know who attacked Suzain and why.  She left Espiaux on Day 250, 5741, on an exploration mission to rimward with FRPS Sonne and FRPS Pioneer.*  She wasn't due to return until Day 065.  We need to know if the other ships were with Suzain when she was attacked and what happened to them. We also need to confirm the status of the other ten crewmembers of Suzain.”

Xiu exhales deeply, "I can't obligate you to undertake this rescue mission, but there are some people who could certainly use your help."

* = Sonne is the Pathfinder Corps 400ton tanker, another variant of the same class as Gypsy MothPioneer is a scout/courier.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Tue 27 Dec 2011.
Danica Moreau
player, 167 posts
ex-Major, FRA
**** Classified ****
Tue 27 Dec 2011
at 22:25
  • msg #4

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Danica has been quiet for the entire time they were in the station ops room.  She appears to be completely nonplussed by being referred to as if she wasn't there, having had plenty of opportunity in the past requiring her to keep her mouth shut.  It is what kept her and Bertrand alive for so many years while working for the Pasternaks.  The mirrorshades help; still, her head moves quickly and discreetly as information continues to filter in.  The ex-Army pilot has very little astrogation experience - but, she has plenty of sensor analysis time logged and her skill behind the stick is undeniable.  She is aware of the detection and docking issues, but she is also confident in her ability to do the job required.

She nods to acknowledge Merv Laraque and his introduction, but Dani remains silent, merely watching the proceedings.  Her shoulders are squared and she is obviously alert as the situation continues to unfold; she cares little for any politics or subtext that is present concerning the Pathfinders versus the Navy or the military distrust for the private sectors.  Dani's pursed lips are the only concession she gives to the techincal difficulties ahead and the gravity of the situation.

When dismissed, she follows the Director Xiu and the others into the Director's office.  She does not appear to visibly relax.  Her head turns as she strains to listen to the weak, garbled transmission.  She purses her lips when the timing is made more explicit; although, she knows that the timing would be tight, her rough estimates did not inform her that it would be that tight.  The margins on making a successful rendezvous look to be incredibly thin.

Danica glances at Jack and Doc, they both had more history with the Pathfinders - and she believes that they had both mentioned the Suzain in the past.  So, she trusts them to have a more authoritative set of desires concerning the ship itself.  However, what was clear to her is that they had received a distress call - and that required their full attention.  While space travel and exploration was inherently dangerous - that didn't mean that attempts were not made to aid others in need.  Far from it.  The Director's request, while a courtesy and a formality, was almost unnecessary.  She presumed that they would undertake the mission; a distress signal simply could not be ignored - irrespective of political or jurisdictional boundaries.

Dani hedges her bets.  "Director, of course, the Gypsy Moth and her crew are at your disposal." she notes simply and professionally, "As I understand it, our fuel status will soon be more than adequate for the required in-system journey due to your auspice, Director"  Danica glances at the Director, she had already promised priority with station resources - so, she figures that refueling is to be expedited (if not already completed).  "I am quite sure that we can be ready to make way within the hour, if not sooner..." she adds as she does the math in her head for what needs to happen - both when and how soon.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:28, Wed 28 Dec 2011.
Jacques Keveloh
player, 181 posts
Wed 28 Dec 2011
at 18:55
  • msg #5

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

It was slightly troubling to Jack that after so many years away he could slip so easily back into Pathfinder protocol. Ingrained was what they used to call it.

He took it all in, the Naval officer's misgivings, the nearly nothing they had to go on, the somber tone of everyone involved. As Laraque is finishing Jack pulls his comm and texts the remaining crew. Emergency - all hands report to Moth for immediate departure. Mayday-level Vessel Assist. He nods in agreement as Dani speaks.

"Indeed, we could be ready quite soon. Currently we have several tons in our hold. I expect that is not an issue in this situation but perhaps we could download and store our client's freight here while we go get Suzain."

He studies the holograms, thinking about how small a speck the lab ship would be in the display, then turns directly to Xiu. "Of course, any other resources the station has to offer would be greatly appreciated."

Knowing there wasn't much else to say, Jack stands in Pathfinder readiness stance. He was anxious to get back to the Moth... and to go find his fellow Pathfinders on Suzain.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Wed 28 Dec 2011.
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 222 posts
Wed 28 Dec 2011
at 20:24
  • msg #6

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jim shakes his head - which didn't help considering the buzz he had - military minds...  they always think with their biggest assets, their 'need to know', and their damn 'lets have a meeting' protocols.  To be fair, Pathfinders often forget how focused and exceptional their own emergency and rescue handling training really is.

"What're we doing here?  Every seconds counts for those souls out there and all this could have been relayed over comms."

In his opinion, everybody on station would know about it soon, anyway.  Jones was annoyed, but he was mostly concerned for the Pathfinders stranded out there in the black.

Elaborating on Jack's polite request, "Ain't nobody got a fast ship's boat 'round here?," Jim asked, mostly thinking of the shiny Navy who always got the budget dollar over the Pathfinders, "That'd best our time to provide emergency life support, and definitely stack up our bets at finding these guys.  Not to mention, be in space in the time we've been wasting here..."

OOC: Got no specs on the Moth's launch, but presume she wouldn't make it.  A 6G ship's boat, on the other hand, could make the search cone in ~2 days (and could be refueled/stocked on location).  Such may not be the norm in this 'verse - though the shipbuilders seemed embarrassed by the limits of the Moth's launch, so figure I'd throw this out there...


FYI: Suspenders of disbelief are always on for a game, but, just for the record (doesn't change things), I think (ouch!) a billionth of a degree, at 7 AU, gives closer to a mere 18 meters positional inaccuracy (~7*150 million = billion km, so just over pi/180 km).  ;)
Thera Santorini
player, 130 posts
I prefer the term
'performing artiste'.
Wed 28 Dec 2011
at 21:57
  • msg #7

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #6):

Thera shrugged. Fate had a way of stepping in. Fait accompli. Most of this was Bridge work, she'd just be along for the ride. There was only one question in her mind.

"What effect is this going to have on our 'special passenger'?"
Referee
GM, 418 posts
Wed 28 Dec 2011
at 22:42
  • msg #8

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #6):

OOC: Your math, as always, is impeccable Doc.  Thanks.  One billionth of adegree is only 18.375m inaccuracy.  The actual inaccuracy required to generate a cone of the size stated by Laraque is just over 0.00015 degrees (by my crappy math), which is still staggeringly accurate, by today's standards, for a sensor small enough to fit on a 200ton ship and still have a broad enough aperture to scan a wide area.  I don't even want to think about the sensitivity and filtering the sensor would have to be able to do to pick up such a signal. Then again, much higher tech than early 21st century. Anyway, I've edited the post above.

OOC2: Yeah, no chance Moth's launch could make it.  You'd need at least three weeks endurance and the launch only has one.  Plus, the launch is slower, 2G, than the ship itself.

In most cases, the Navy SDB on station is more than capable of performing the rescue function - 5G thrust, plenty of endurance, good sensors, multiple small craft, marines, medical facilities, etc.  Functionally, the SDB is the station's "fast boat".

The problem here is the uncertainty over Suzain's track.  If Suzain had been able to give a course, velocity, and location (or any of those three), intercept would be easy.  Hell, even if Suzain didn't have any navagational information, if she had just been able to keep transmitting for a few more hours, the AOU (Area of Uncertainty) could have been shrunk dramatically.

(shrugs)  Hopefully that makes the scenario somewhat plausible in the context of the game.


Director Xiu looks sharply at Laraque.  Swiftly checking his hand-comp, he says, "The fueling team reports they are almost complete with safety checks for Gypsy Moth and pumping should begin shortly.  Fueling should be complete within forty five minutes.  I don't see why we can't get a cargo team to start pulling containers as well, but I recommend they stop when fueling is about five minutes from completion so we don't delay Gypsy Moth on account of cargo.  We can probably get five or six containers yanked in that time."  He immediately calls to arrange cargo handling.

Xiu says somberly, "I'd love to be able to give you a boarding team, but the station isn't manned for that.  If you really need her, I can send the station medic, Casey Keefe.  Any additional supplies you need, vacc suits, medical supplies, whatever, we'll do our best.  Just tell Laraque, or me directly."

Edited to add:

In responseto Thera's question, Xiu equivocates, "He may still get home quicker with you than on a J-1 trader.  I'll ensure he knows that and try to make sure he doesn't mind waiting.  I can't force him to wait for your ship to return, but the rescue mission has priority over any passenger.  I don't care how much of a VIP he is."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:48, Wed 28 Dec 2011.
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 225 posts
Wed 28 Dec 2011
at 23:49
  • msg #9

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jim listened impatiently to the ops guy.  But the mention of their potential VIP passenger really got his alcohol laden blood boiling.  Fortunately he heard Xui's response out before opening his clenched mouth...

"Belay that refueling - Moth's got plenty fuel, longs we don't need to Jump.  And the stuff in the hold can keep or we jettison it," Jim couldn't remember what was in the hold, but it would make no difference to their search.  He knew they had PP fuel for nearly three weeks left, he believed that could just make it.

He headed for the door, turning to address everyone, "Look, every half hour wasted here cuts into the odds by whole percentage numbers, maybe more."

To Xui and Laraque, "Moth's provisioned and staffed well, but we'll take Casey and whatever salvage stuffs you can have ready dockside in the next few minutes.  A half dozen suits and some extended O2, if you can manage."

With that he raced out the door, heading for the Moth's berth (and an anti-alc shot)...
Referee
GM, 419 posts
Thu 29 Dec 2011
at 02:01
  • msg #10

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #9):

OOC: As of today (Day 003),

quote:
As an aside, the ship has 15 tons (of 104) of fuel and 210+ personweeks of life support (of 240 initially) remaining.  Stern has placed the ship on minimal powerplant usage while docked.  You'll burn two tons per week, so no worries about powerplant fuel, but you'll definitely need to fuel for jump.


If you're using the M-drive at 3G you're not on minimum powerplant.  Moth will burn 0.86 tons per day (6tons per week).  You have about 17 days of fuel left (18 if you suck the launch dry as well).  The rescue mission will take 19+ days.  Of course, you may want to carry some fuel to salvage Suzain, or not as you choose.

As Doc is speaking, Laraque is also saying, "Station ops will forward deck plans, crew manifest, and mission brief for Suzain to your ship enroute.  At the intercept area, you'll be about six light hours away, so comm support will be time-lagged."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Thu 29 Dec 2011.
Danica Moreau
player, 171 posts
ex-Major, FRA
**** Classified ****
Thu 29 Dec 2011
at 07:51
  • msg #11

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Dani starts to hold out a hand to address Thera's concern, signalling that it will be dealt with later.

Then Danica listens quietly to Doc's tirade and watches him head towards the door; one eyebrow of hers peeks out from above her mirrorshades.  "I respect your passion," she states plainly and calmly, "but, don't be silly."  Dani's tone harkens back to the days as a Major in the Free Republic's Army; just enough of a hard edge that she expects him to listen for the moment.  It is not often that she used her 'command' voice in the last ten years.  She stance is quite erect with her shoulders thrown back slightly and Dani holds up her hands in a gesture motioning him to also quiet his tone.  "I agree that timing is essential." she concedes, "But, going off half-cocked here or out there ..." A finger points in the vague direction of 'off station', "...will not help the crew of the Suzain or the Gypsy Moth."

Dani makes a mental note that the crew (and especially the Doctor) will need to remain dry for the duration of the mission, likely.

"If Mr. Laraque's estimates are accurate," she glances at the Director and the station ops manager, as she continues to speak, "then we will need to take on more fuel.  To not do so would place the entire mission in jeopardy.  It is that simple."  Dani returns her gaze to Jim and pauses for a moment, before she adds, "As you noted, we need to take other supplies on-board as well - vacc suits, additional personnel, and any portable apparatus that might aid us in docking with the Suzain."  Then Danica address the doctor's specialty in hopes of getting him to focus more readily, "Given the information in transmission, we may find at least three people requiring immediate medical assistance.  Do you have all of the required medications, equipment, and personnel on-board the Gypsy Moth?"

She give a quick nod to Merv as he notes that they will be effectively on their own once in the intercept zone.  As it always is in the Deep Black.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 08:06, Thu 29 Dec 2011.
Jacques Keveloh
player, 183 posts
Thu 29 Dec 2011
at 08:03
  • msg #12

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jack knew Doc's impatient petulance was not because of the alcohol in his system. He was feeling much the same way.

"A few minutes could make all the difference in the world," Jack says as the Doc heads towards the door. "But that cuts both ways."

He broke his stance. "Dani's right in her assertions, Jim. Your concern is med supplies. Plan for worst-case because we probably have several crew members in decaying low-berths to deal with."

Damn it, Hayden.

"Ms. Moreau, you need to coordinate with station staff and make sure any and all station and Naval telemetry data is running through Moth's computers on a secure navigation-only channel."

"Director Xiu, we don't need a boarding party. We need our tanks filled and our hold emptied asap - I believe your 45 minute estimate but we should expect departure in 60 minutes at the latest. We need Search & Rescue class medical gear -"
he can't help but glance at the Doc - "and we need Keefe as well."

He runs his hand through his hair, speaking aloud but obviously addressing his crew and expecting the station staff to fall in. "I've alerted the rest of our crew. I'll work with Box 2 to set up secure comms channels to both here and the Navy ship en route, tight-beam so we can coordinate future assistance. Thera, there might be a bogie out there that's responsible for this so don't think you'll be sitting on your hands."

He glances again at the holo-display. "This is our job, the Navy made clear they don't believe in it. Let's get going before they fuck it up. And let's save the debate for when we're on the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:44, Thu 29 Dec 2011.
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 228 posts
Thu 29 Dec 2011
at 17:59
  • msg #13

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jim didn't slow down to address anyone, or fully listen to their observations, throwing his words over his shoulder, "Damn-it!  We've everything we need," he replied testily, "...'cept time!"

"So, I sure hope someone's told the crew to warm the damn drives and get our bird ready..."

Jim could be overhead muttering about 'having to think of every damn thing my damn self', though he failed to actually attempt to comm any of the crew... or hear that Jack had.
Danica Moreau
player, 173 posts
ex-Major, FRA
**** Classified ****
Fri 30 Dec 2011
at 01:27
  • msg #14

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Danica watches Doc disappear out of the office.  She gives a slight, if noncommital shrug, then turns towards the people remaining:  Athena, Merv, Jack and Thera.  "Director," she nods to her in acknowledgement as she speak, "It sounds as if we need the fuel.  Thank you for your personal attention in expediting the matter."

The dark-haired pilot looked thoughtful for a moment, resting her hands on her hips, before she continues, "If the station could provide anything that might make boarding or unloading injured personnel from the Suzain, if and when we find her, would also be greatly appreciated."

Then Dani nods to Jack, "Of course, Mr. Keveloh.  I will get on securing that navigational comm line."  Not surprisingly, she motions to Merv Laraque to coordinate anything that might be need to be transferred, physical or electronic, to the Gypsy Moth as well as anything that is required for authorization or handshaking between the station and the Moth.  "Mr. Laraque, which secure frequency would you like to use for the transfer?" she asks quickly, in Dani's experience there are a couple of suitable carriers, but if the Boxes personnel have a preferred on, then they should use it.  Dani continues on, "We should go over a list of files - though we will start the full review once we are underway.  Our transponder ID is ..." and she starts to confer with Merv in more depth about any details required.
Thera Santorini
player, 131 posts
I prefer the term
'performing artiste'.
Fri 30 Dec 2011
at 14:15
  • msg #15

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jacques Keveloh:
Thera, there might be a bogie out there that's responsible for this so don't think you'll be sitting on your hands."


Thera smiled to herself as the Bridge Crew got themselves excited. She'd got the impression that the ship had jumped in with damage from elsewhere, still, it was possible something could have followed. She'd be ready to handle a bogey.

But she hadn't exactly planned on 'sitting on her hands' anyway. With several injured passengers to care for, her steward skills would probably be in considerable demand - certainly on the return journey.

She figured she'd be happier with more fuel aboard, but it wasn't her call, and the consensus seemed to be with her anyway. Only the Doc was in favour of an immediate lift - which was as it should be. A medic should put his patients first.

She made herself available to help out where needed.

OOC: I don't mind whether we fuel or not, I'll play it as it comes. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Fri 30 Dec 2011.
Dagala Aksina
NPC, 2 posts
Security
Specialist
Fri 30 Dec 2011
at 20:32
  • msg #16

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Thera Santorini (msg #15):

Text from Dagala Aksina: Fueling crew from station arrived.  Stern setting up to take fuel.  Bertrand on bridge warming up comm suite.  Gadron and Charpentier coming aboard now.  Marks, Moreau, Keveloh, Jones, Santorini ashore.

11:51, Today: Nino Stern rolled 12 using 2d6+4. Align Fueling System.
Routine check (+4) + 1 -1 (rushed).

Laraque starts talking with Danica and Jacques for a few minutes about the technical details of plots, comms, and data links.  Unless you have any specific questions (understanding that your characters would be asking specific technical questions), the discussion only takes a few minutes.

Compulsively checking his hand-comp several times a minute, Laraque also mentions that, "Fueling team is on station, preparing for fuel transfer.  A cargo handling team will arrive at your berth shortly."

Since Thera is not part of the discussion with Laraque, Director Xiu offers, "Young lady, mister Wylins can show you to our damage control shop to see if we have any equipment you would like to borrow."

Doc is enroute to Gypsy Moth (as I understand it) and will arrive in a few minutes.
Thera Santorini
player, 132 posts
I prefer the term
'performing artiste'.
Fri 30 Dec 2011
at 22:49
  • msg #17

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dagala Aksina (msg #16):

Thera's mouth gapes for a second, then she looks round at the others, all engaged in other tasks, and she rises to the occasion.

"Yes maam. Lead on, Mr Wylins."

Her mind reels back to her youth on St Croix, a hard childhood apprenticed to her parents, learning to fetch and carry the right tools for the job. It had been a long time, she was a child then, she could afford to make...

She tries to focus her mind on the tools needed to enter and explore a ship. What did they have in the stores already? This would teach her to pay attention.

Wrapped in her thoughts, she follows Wylins to the damage control shop.

"You have any experience in damage control, Mr Wylins?" she enquires hopefully.
Jacques Keveloh
player, 186 posts
Sat 31 Dec 2011
at 02:54
  • msg #18

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Jacques takes a moment to reply to Aksina Copy, Doctor onboard soon, Moreau and Keveloh en route shortly. Santorini with station staff.

He finishes with Laraque as quickly as he can, but makes sure both he and Danica are on the same page for both theirs jobs. He felt the hardest work they were facing would be done on the bridge and he wanted to make certain they could back each other up.

When he and Danica have done all they can to prepare with the station, Jacques thanks Laraque and then Director Xiu. "Thank you, Mr. Laraque, I'm sure we'll be talking again soon. Director Xiu, it's the honor of Gypsy Moth and her crew to aid Largen Station Two in this matter. Thank you for your hospitality and we'll see you soon - I hope with Suzain and her crew."

Jacques then heads directly for the Moth, waiting as need to be so he and Danica can go together.
Referee
GM, 422 posts
Sat 31 Dec 2011
at 04:54
  • msg #19

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #18):

Wylins doesn't have DC experience, but the station engineer that shows Thera around the damage control station does, and Thera's a solid mechanic in her own right. After asking Thera a few questions about Gypsy Moth's load out, the engineer suggests:

1 ea. Laser Cutter
1 ea. Advanced Welding Kit
2 ea. Wreckers
Several lengths of nylon strap which can be used to rig "pull alongs" in zero-G environments

She has Thera sign for the items she takes and wishes the crew of Gypsy Moth good luck.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the Director's office:

Laraque isn't a barrel of chuckles personality-wise, but seems quite competent and genuinely wants you to succeed.

Athena Xiu nods in response to Jacques thanks.  "One last thing.  This doesn't seem to match the profile, but... if you see any indications that Suzain is a Plague ship,* destroy her."

*The Plague that hit the sector almost one hundred years ago left indelible impressions on society in the region.  Although you have never heard of signs of the Plague re-surfacing after those few devastating years, the fear of it lingers.  Symptoms would be similar to the bubonic plague.

"Good luck"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the ship, preparations are proceeding apace.  Doc is first back, followed by Jacques and Danica, lastly Thera.

Dagala and Bertrand have the bridge ready for departure.  Prisa Gadron is readying engineering while Stern oversees fueling.  Pumping has begun, though the flow rate is only about 3.5tons per minute.

Hayden is back aboard.  He and Lance Charpentier are helping two station cargo handlers move the single container of farm equipment from the port hold to the station.

After about fifteen minutes of pumping, the cargo is ashore.  As cargo ops are finishing, an attractive blonde in station coveralls approaches the ship.  She is carrying a medical bag and dragging a decidedly un-spacerlike piece of rolling luggage.  She introduces herself as Casey Keefe, station doctor.



At about the twenty minute mark of pumping Thera returns to the ship, accompanied by Wylins and the station engineer, who are helping carry the access gear.

At this point Gypsy Moth has about 90 tons of fuel aboard (15 + 75).  You can stop now or continue pumping for the six minutes or so it would take to top off.

In other respects, Gypsy Moth is ready for departure.

20:50, Today: Prisa Gadron rolled 12 using 2d6+4. Prep Engineering for Departure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:58, Sat 31 Dec 2011.
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 233 posts
Sat 31 Dec 2011
at 04:55
  • msg #20

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

EDIT * Assume this occurred before refs post above *

Jim had arrived in the vicinity of the Moth out of breath - he sorely needed to make use of the Moth's workout room.  He paused, hands on thighs, gulping air for a moment before continuing.  It wasn't long before he spotted Nino…

"What .. the .. hell..  Arrr!," Jim yelled to the man, between gasps.  He wanted to throttle Nino ... but he knew the young man was just acting on orders.

"At least tell me the GrrDamn ship is ready to lift…," he muttered as he brought up his comm.

"Jack!?  Jack!," he didn't wait for a response as he yelled into his comm, "What the hell is going on … people, hell our friends, are dying out their Jack…  They're dying and we're pussyfooting around!?".

"How long can you live without oxygen Jack - how long? You forgotten?," Jim was loosing steam, he really shouldn't have drank so much.

"7 minutes*.  7 lousy minutes Jack…   what are we waiting for?," he no longer yelled, but his earnestness was evident.

He stood, indecisive, he really needed that anti-alc.  He also needed to pee.

Instead he turned off his comm and headed to the primary Engineering workstation.

* Jim knew he could revive patients after several times that duration, with some hope of full brain function.  And if they actually followed their training protocols and let hypothermia overtake them before the O2 was gone, that window could be hours.  But very few ever did.  Once the O2 got low enough they invariable turned up their suit temps - god he wished the damn designers would build them to force hypothermia…

OOC: Post overlapped with Ref's - was gonna delete, but it still works as flavor with the comm off to avoid any extra RP!

This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Sat 31 Dec 2011.
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 235 posts
Sat 31 Dec 2011
at 15:55
  • msg #21

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

When Prisa arrived, Jim had left her to complete drive preps and went to self-administer a quick acting shot - it was designed to accommodate violent drunks, so while it helped his motor functions and mental clarity, it also had a mellowing effect.

Then he made his way to the bridge, where he assured himself Dagala and Bertrand had things under control.  He filled them in on the details of the Suzain they would have been missing, emphasizing how they were wasting time, of course.  But he came across more disgusted and frustrated, than angry.

When Danica and Jack enter the Bridge, Jim excuses himself, pointedly addressing them on his way out, "Moth's ready.  We find folks dead out there less than hours, you two can pat yourselves on the back for wasting time... and their lives."

As he turned into the hall, he caught sight of Casey coming aboard with Lance, so decided to get her settled in before returning to Engineering.  Despite the circumstances, sight of her luggage forced a smirk out of the Doctor.  Not to say the sight of her didn't help his spirits, but it wasn't enough to overcome his concern for the mission ahead.

His greeting was a bit perfunctory. "Sorry, not quite the tour I had in mind.  We'll stash your stuff in my quarters for the moment. I can bunk in the sickbay."

He showed her to his quarters.  It wasn't tidy with all the stuff he had brought aboard, but it wasn't a total wreck.  Then to the adjacent sickbay.  "It's not spacious, but its pretty stocked and up to date...," he paused to remove something from the a wall nook, "though usually without a cat in the autoclave."

For a moment he relax a bit.

"Mr. Jinx, meet Dr. Keefe," he said mock formally.  "Don't worry, he's partial to pretty blondes," Jim added in a mock whisper.
Referee
GM, 424 posts
Sun 1 Jan 2012
at 01:30
  • msg #22

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #21):

Dr. Keefe looks a little taken aback by Doc's offer of his stateroom.

Guilelessly, Lance says, "Uh, doc, we have open passenger staterooms.  I was taking her to one of those."
Danica Moreau
player, 175 posts
ex-Major, FRA
**** Classified ****
Sun 1 Jan 2012
at 08:48
  • msg #23

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

After a moment, in which it is obvious that she is processing the last constraint in the mission, Dani nods to the Director.  "Understood, Director." the ex-FRA officer notes curtly to Athena Xiu.  Danica only knows of the stories that were told  by her great-grandparents, which were relayed by her parents and grandparents concerning the actual accounts of the plague.  Still, the scars on society were obvious, and so, the protocols must be followed.  Dani makes a mental note to brush up on those - and to make sure that the others are informed to do so as well.

Dani glances at Jack, making eye contact to ensure that they are on the same page with respect to the fueling and stocking of the Gypsy Moth.  Now is not the time to be working at cross purposes.  She speaks with clipped, professional tones to Laraque and the other station crew, wrapping up everything as quickly as possible.  Dani does not rush, however.  Her experience with rushing is that it makes people sloppy.  And sloppy causes mistakes.  And mistakes get people killed.

She walks quickly (breaking into a trot as necessary) with Jack back to the Moth and then makes her way to the bridge.  Doc's reprimand does not go unnoticed.  But it does go unanswered.  Dani has other more immediate things to deal with - and the Doctor's attitude is not one of them.  Danica does glance at Jack with a raised eyebrow for a fleeting moment, but after that she is all business.  She thanks Dagala and Bertrand for their diligence as she slips into the pilot's station on the bridge and takes a moment to review the ship status.  She has already mental gone through sections of the pre-flight lists, and ensure that they are either done or in process.  She also readies herself by cinching her five-point harness just a little tighter.  She opens a comm line to the Port Authority, "Box 2 Traffic Control, this is the Gypsy Moth requesting immediate departure clearance and high-speed vectoring lane outbound ..."  Danica proceeds to rattle off a number of clearance codes and coordinates that were given to her by Merv Laraque and his crew for this set of circumstances.  The dark-haired pilot also makes sure that the station power and data umbilicals are ready for detachment in preparation for departure.

Keeping an eye on the fueling status as she goes through her checks and double checks of various items, Dani takes a moment to test a message to Nino, who she saw overseeing the fueling on the way in.  ++Once Santorini and all required equipment is on-board, cease fueling asap.++  She then address the entire crew, "This is the First Officer.  All hands to stations.  Prepare for departure, lift off is imminent.  We'll be vectoring at maximum thrust."  That is all the warning that Dani gives the rest of the crew that they risk trusting the inertial compensators only at their own peril.

Danica also takes a moment to pull up the Library information on the Plague and standard protocols for dealing with it (light bedtime reading, if nothing else), as well as verifying that the telemetry and transmission files on Suzain have begun downloading properly.  Her fingers are a blur on the console controls as she contines to double and triple check statuses and items in preparation for take-off.  As she checks things off, Dani notes into the Engineering commlink, "I'm seeing green on the powerplant and m-Drive boards.  Thank you, Engineering."  Dani tilts her neck for a moment and the vertebrae lightly pop relieving accumulated nitrogen and tension at the same time.

As the data streams streak across the main tactical displays on the bridge, lighting up Dani's face and mirrorshades, she notes to her co-pilot without taking her eyes off the displays, "Jack, since we don't know what happened with the Suzain..."  She purses her lips for a moment before continuing, "be prepared with preliminary jump plots to any and all destinations in range - taking into account that we may not get the chance to bleed speed before being forced to jump."  Danica knows that conditions are not ideal, but is also acutely aware that she is also probably preaching to the choir - from what she knows of Jacques Keveloh, that item is already on his queue, if he has not already started working on such things.  But as the old Solomani adage goes, Luck favors the prepared. Dani intones to herself.
Thera Santorini
player, 135 posts
I prefer the term
'performing artiste'.
Sun 1 Jan 2012
at 09:38
  • msg #24

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

As soon as Thera has stowed the equipment and waved the station crew off the ship, she reports in.
"Station crew are off ship, cargo bay secured."

And considers her next option. Guns are unlikely to be needed this close to the station, and in any case should be running as smoothly as when she left them. She'll check them over later.
And get changed. She'd never even got chance to party.

"I'm going to make sure our new colleague is settled in and knows the ropes for rapid acceleration."

OOC: Don't let my post pre-empt Jim's response. Thera is last aboard and will meet up with Casey quite some time after the conversation with Lance...
Dr. Jim D. Jones
player, 236 posts
Sun 1 Jan 2012
at 18:34
  • msg #25

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

Flashback... between greeting and arriving at quarters.

Referee:
Dr. Keefe looks a little taken aback by Doc's offer of his stateroom.

Guilelessly, Lance says, "Uh, doc, we have open passenger staterooms.  I was taking her to one of those."

Doc was not looking at Casey, so missed her reaction, and absently waved the young man off (pun), "All crew will be on upper decks, be rude leaving Dr. Keefe alone and I'm the least inconvenienced, being only one not double bunked.  Help Nino, would ya."

[ Damned hired help... ]

Thinking, frustratingly, of the station personnel coming and going as the they wasted time, he added, "Besides, your stuff will be safer up here till we're buttoned up and off station."

As they approached his quarters, "We get underway, and lower decks get cleaned from our last occupants," security details are never neat freaks off hours, "you can have your pick of quarters."

"'Course, don't know where Suzain's been, so we might have to quarantine lower decks...", he muttered mostly to himself as he opened his quarters.

Unaware of 'the plague'* warnings, Jim was simply thinking along normal protocols for pathfinders...

*OOC: 'The Plaque' better not involve any @#%^$& zombie sh*t!  I HATE that teenie bopper, Hollywood mis-classified as Sci-Fi, crap! (No really, I do!)
Referee
GM, 425 posts
Mon 2 Jan 2012
at 00:21
  • msg #26

Re: IC: Box 2 (Espiaux) 1200 Day 003/5742

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #25):

Ok, what everyone would know about the Plague:

It came from out of no where nearly one hundred years ago and devastated civilization in the sector.  It is believed to have arrived on colony sleeper ships, which is one of the reasons low berths are looked at askance here.  It incubates over a period of six to eight weeks with no symptoms, during which it is extremely contagious.  Then, it activates, causing high fever, vomiting, pustules, and death in 70% of cases in 24-72 hours (sorry, no zombies).  It is unusually difficult to detect while incubating and is surprisingly resistant to treatment.  The plague may have been engineered at tech levels above current maximums.  there have been no known outbreaks in over ninety five years.

Doc obviously has a greater understanding of the clinical details of the plague, but those are the highlights.

Suzain's case doesn't seem to match a plague event (statement about being attacked, exhausted fuel, etc), so maybe Xiu was just being pedantic (i.e. adding chrome).

Regarding jump,
Suzain is well within the primary's massive 100d jump shadow.  On her current course and speed she'll be jump-masked for several years.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway...

"Gypsy Moth, station ops, you are cleared for undocking.  Vector three one one plus zero nine."

Once life support, data, and power umbilicals are retracted, station docking clamps release on Danica's command and (Presumably) she expertly backs the ship away from Box 2 and pivots it to the designated outbound vector.

In the station director's office...

A middle-aged woman sits in her plush, high-backed chair.  Alone, she watches as a sleek, high-winged trader backs smoothly out of her berth and accelerates into the void on a course that is neither insystem nor towards jump point.  Somewhere out there, three people hang to life by a thread.  Almost inaudibly, she whispers, "Godspeed Gypsy Moth, godspeed."

OOC: New thread coming soon...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:23, Mon 02 Jan 2012.
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